IP57 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP57 and IP50 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP57 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.